Lambert announces Stoke goalkeeper Grant has suffered broken wrist

Stoke’s back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant has been sidelined with a broken wrist, manager Paul Lambert has announced.

The 35-year-old complained of soreness after participating in the warm-up prior to last Sunday’s draw at Leicester and examinations later revealed a fracture.

Dane Jakob Haugaard is now likely to be Jack Butland’s deputy for this weekend’s crucial trip to Southampton.

Lambert said: “He has got a little break in his wrist. He felt it in the warm-up against Leicester on Saturday. It has just shown up. He will be out for a few weeks.”

It has not been a good week for Stoke goalkeepers after Butland was at fault for Leicester’s equaliser at the King Power Stadium.

The Potters, who are 19th in the table, had been on course for a much-needed victory when Butland failed to grab a Marc Albrighton cross cleanly and the ball rebounded into the net off him.

Lambert backed his number one immediately after the game and says the 24-year-old’s response in training since has been very positive.

The Scot said: “He’s been brilliant, which I’d expect. He reacted the right way after the mistake with two brilliant saves. He’s a brilliant goalkeeper and he’s going to be even better as he gets older.

“I don’t have any fear about Jack at all. The type of lad he is, he is confident to handle situations like that.”

Peter Crouch and Ryan Shawcross should both be available for the game at St Mary’s after overcoming ankle injuries. The match is vital for both teams with 16th-placed Saints just one point above Stoke.